County Durham is one of the North East’s most underrated foodie destinations. Known for its historic cities, rolling countryside, charming villages, and dramatic coastline, the region is packed with exceptional restaurants, cosy gastropubs, independent cafés, and fine dining experiences. Whether you’re planning a countryside escape, a weekend in Durham city, or a relaxing food-focused getaway, County Durham offers a fantastic variety of places to eat and drink.
One of the things that makes dining in County Durham so special is the contrast between rustic countryside pubs and modern city dining. Visitors can spend the day exploring Durham Cathedral, scenic walking routes, and market towns before settling into traditional inns with roaring fires, stylish tasting-menu restaurants, riverside dining spots, or vibrant cocktail bars. The region is especially well known for locally sourced produce, hearty British cooking, and an increasingly exciting fine dining scene.
County Durham also caters to every style of dining. There are elegant tasting-menu restaurants perfect for celebrations, lively international restaurants for group evenings, family-friendly pubs, riverside brunch spots, and hidden countryside gems tucked away in picturesque villages. Food lovers can enjoy everything from modern British cuisine and seafood to Turkish grills, Caribbean dishes, and traditional Sunday roasts.
Here’s our guide to some of the best restaurants, pubs, and foodie experiences across County Durham.
Located on Saddler Street in the heart of Durham city, just a short walk from the cathedral and riverside.
Set inside a historic building overlooking the River Wear, The Cellar Door combines elegant interiors with one of the most scenic dining locations in Durham. It has become one of the city’s best-known modern British restaurants.
Expect refined British dishes, seasonal menus, tasting options, cocktails, and riverside views ideal for romantic dinners and special occasions.
Situated near North Road in Durham city centre.
Coarse has developed a strong reputation for its innovative tasting menus and intimate fine dining experience. It’s one of County Durham’s standout destinations for modern British cuisine and creative cooking.
Expect beautifully presented tasting menus, seasonal ingredients, wine pairings, and an upscale but relaxed atmosphere.
Located beside Elvet Bridge in Durham city centre.
FIIK offers a more intimate and contemporary fine dining experience, combining minimalist interiors with high-end tasting menus and chef-led dining.
Expect carefully curated tasting menus, premium ingredients, modern presentation, and a stylish atmosphere perfect for foodie experiences.
Situated on Silver Street in the centre of Durham.
Akarsu brings vibrant Turkish dining to Durham with colourful interiors, generous portions, and a lively social atmosphere.
Expect grilled meats, Turkish sharing platters, cocktails, fresh bread, and relaxed group-friendly dining.
Located at The Riverwalk development in Durham city centre.
Turtle Bay combines Caribbean-inspired interiors with upbeat music, colourful cocktails, and lively social dining energy.
Expect jerk chicken, curries, rum cocktails, bottomless brunches, and a fun atmosphere popular with students and groups.
Located in Crook within the County Durham countryside.
The Copper Mine blends countryside gastropub charm with elevated modern British dining. It’s become one of the region’s best-loved rural dining spots.
Expect seasonal menus, steaks, Sunday lunches, craft beers, and stylish but cosy interiors.
Situated in Tursdale near Durham in a converted historic mill setting.
The Old Mill combines rustic countryside character with spacious dining areas and traditional pub hospitality.
Expect pub classics, family dining, Sunday roasts, outdoor seating, and hearty British comfort food.
Located in Hurworth-on-Tees near Darlington.
The Bay Horse offers an upscale countryside dining experience with stylish interiors and a strong reputation for quality food and service.
Expect modern British cuisine, steaks, seafood, cocktails, and relaxed but refined dining.
Located in the picturesque village of Romaldkirk near Barnard Castle.
This historic coaching inn is one of County Durham’s most charming countryside pubs, featuring oak-panelled interiors, open fires, and traditional village charm.
Expect hearty British pub classics, Sunday roasts, cosy dining rooms, and scenic countryside surroundings.
Located in Durham city near Crossgate.
One of Durham’s best-known traditional pubs, Ye Old Elm Tree combines historic charm with a lively local atmosphere and classic British pub culture.
Expect pub meals, beers, live sport, social dining, and a welcoming traditional atmosphere.
Situated near North Road in Durham city centre.
This lively city-centre pub is popular for casual dining, drinks, and affordable meals in a busy social setting.
Expect burgers, pub classics, drinks deals, group-friendly dining, and a lively evening atmosphere.
County Durham has plenty of additional foodie spots worth exploring beyond the better-known restaurants.
County Durham offers a dining experience that feels more relaxed and authentic than many larger UK cities. Visitors can enjoy historic pubs, independent restaurants, riverside dining, and countryside gastropubs without the crowds often found in more tourist-heavy destinations. The combination of scenic landscapes, historic towns, and quality local food makes the county ideal for foodie weekends and countryside escapes.
The region’s food scene continues to grow, with modern tasting-menu restaurants sitting alongside centuries-old inns and family-run cafés. Whether you’re looking for fine dining, casual comfort food, or hidden countryside gems, County Durham offers something for every taste and occasion.
County Durham is known for traditional British pub food, Sunday roasts, locally sourced produce, gastropubs, and modern British fine dining.
Durham city centre, Barnard Castle, Darlington, Seaham, and the surrounding countryside villages are among the best foodie areas in the county.
Yes, restaurants like coarse, FIIK, and The Cellar Door are known for elevated dining experiences and tasting menus.
Absolutely. County Durham is famous for cosy village pubs and gastropubs such as The Copper Mine and The Rose and Crown.
Yes, the combination of countryside scenery, historic attractions, and excellent restaurants makes County Durham perfect for relaxing foodie getaways.
After exploring County Durham’s gastropubs, riverside restaurants, and countryside dining spots, staying in a comfortable property makes the experience even better. Whether you’re planning a romantic weekend, countryside retreat, or foodie escape, County Durham offers the perfect mix of history, scenery, and dining.
For travellers looking for stylish and flexible accommodation, Pass the Keys offers professionally managed stays across the region, giving guests more space, comfort, and convenience while exploring County Durham.